Method and apparatus for dedicated hardware and software split implementation of rate matching and de-matching

ABSTRACT

In the method of rate-matching, software is used to calculate at least one rate-matching parameter for data, and dedicated hardware is used to perform at least one of a puncturing and repetition process on data based on the calculated rate-matching parameter. In rate de-matching, software is again used to calculate at least one rate de-matching parameter for received data, and dedicated hardware is used to compensate for puncturing and repetition based on the calculated rate de-matching parameter.

This is a continuation of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §121 on,U.S. application Ser. No. 10/425,825, filed Apr. 30, 2003, the entirecontents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Rate-matching is a technique widely used in 3G wireless communicationsystems, such as UMTS and CDMA2000, for adjusting the data size of thechannel encoder outputs at the transmitter to the air interfacecapacity. Rate-matching applies puncturing or repetition to eachchannel's data based on well-known calculated rate-matching parameters.Within a channel, a puncture or repetition pattern is applied. A reverseprocess called rate de-matching is performed by the receiver side torestore the punctured/repeated data.

The conventional implementation of rate-matching and rate de-matching isto use software to do both parameter calculation and data processing(i.e., puncture and repetition as dictated by the parametercalculation). As used herein, software refers to instructions stored inmemory, that when executed cause a general purpose processor, computeror controller to perform a particular function. Using software refers tothe general purpose processor, computer or controller executing theinstructions and thus performing the particular function specified bythe software.

Unfortunately, a general purpose processor running software to performrate-matching (e.g., a programmed digital signal processor (DSP))requires in the order of 60 instruction cycles per bit of processed datato perform the puncturing and repetition process. The processor loadrequired for processing 64 users is in the order of 240 million cyclesper second which is an excessive load. The majority of the DSP'sprocessing power is consumed with the puncturing/repetition processes,which are very simple iterative bit operations.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention provides a rate matching and rate de-matchingdesign that moves the puncturing/repetition process into dedicatedhardware. Hardware refers to the physical aspect of computers,telecommunications and other information technology devices. Dedicatedhardware means hardware having a particular structure that dictates thefunction performed by the hardware. For example, while a DSP ishardware, a programmed DSP is not dedicated hardware because thestructure of the DSP does not change when the software running on theDSP changes. Examples of dedicated hardware include logic circuits, anapplication-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)—with or without a centralprocessing unit (CPU), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a complexprogrammable logic device (CPLD), etc. Dedicated hardware may bereconfigurable or non-reconfigurable. A FPGA is an example ofreconfigurable dedicated hardware. Depending on how the FPGA isprogrammed, the gates in the FPGA form connections between logicelements such that the FPGA structure becomes dedicated to performing aparticular function—becomes like a fixed logic circuit. The structure(i.e., the connection of the logic elements) may be changed byre-programming the FPGA; hence, the FPGA is reconfigurable. A fixedlogic circuit is an example of non-reconfigurable dedicated hardware.

In the present invention, the dedicated hardware is able to process thedata much more efficiently than using software, and using the dedicatedhardware reduces the total processing load on, for example, the DSP.Namely, the dedicated hardware eliminates the processor cyclesassociated with the puncturing and repetition processes. Therefore, thisdesign provides a more economical and faster implementation of ratematching and rate de-matching.

In an example embodiment, an apparatus for rate-matching includes aprocessor calculating at least one rate-matching parameter for data, aselector receiving a current data, a previous data and an output data,the selector configured to selectively perform at least one of apuncturing process and a repetition process, and a state machine circuitreceiving the calculated rate matching parameters and for controllingthe selector based on the calculated rate matching parameters.

In an example embodiment, a method of rate-matching includes usingsoftware to calculate at least one rate-matching parameter for data, andusing dedicated hardware to at least one of selectively perform apuncturing process and selectively perform a repetition process on databased on the calculated rate-matching parameter. The using dedicatedhardware step includes operating in one of a puncture and repetitionmode based on a decision parameter value received from the usingsoftware step, and the puncturing process punctures the data in thepuncture mode when the decision parameter value is less than a puncturedecision threshold, and the repeating process repeats the data in therepetition mode when the decision parameter value is less than arepetition decision threshold.

In another example embodiment, a method of rate de-matching includesusing software to calculate at least one rate de-matching parameter forreceived data, and using dedicated hardware to compensate for puncturingand repetition in the received data based on the calculated ratede-matching parameter. The using dedicated hardware step includesoperating in one of a puncture and repetition mode based on a decisionparameter value received from the using software step, and acompensating puncture process compensates for puncture in the receiveddata when the decision parameter value is less than a de-puncturedecision threshold, and a compensating repetition step compensates forrepetition in the received data when the decision parameter value isless than a de-repetition decision threshold.

In yet another example embodiment, a method of rate-matching includescalculating at least one rate-matching parameter for data usingsoftware, selectively performing, using a selector, at least one of apuncturing process and a repetition process using current data, previousdata and an output data received at the selector, and controlling theselector based on the calculated rate matching parameters using a statemachine circuit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description given below and the accompanying drawings, whereinlike elements are represented by like reference numerals, which aregiven by way of illustration only and thus are not limiting on thepresent invention and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of a wireless communication systememploying the method and apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the dedicated hardwarearchitecture for rate matching at a transmit side according to oneembodiment of the present invention, where the embodiment is employedbetween an encoder and an interleaver;

FIG. 3 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of the state-machine in FIG.2;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of generated puncture and repetitionpatterns and changes in the first decision parameter evalue1 as theinput data is processed according to the state-machine of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 illustrates a structured combinatorial logic implementation ofthe dedicated hardware in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 illustrates a functional block diagram for HS-DSCH HARQ thatincludes two rate-matching stages implemented according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of the dedicated hardwarearchitecture for rate de-matching (RDM) on receive side according to oneembodiment of the present invention, where the embodiment is employedbetween first and second de-interleavers;

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of the input data sequence for a transportchannel (TrCH) with a 40 ms TTI; and

FIG. 9 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of the state-machine in FIG.7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS General Architecture

FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of a wireless communication systememploying the method and apparatus according to the present invention.As shown, at a transmitter 2, a digital signal processor 4 executessoftware to calculate rate-matching parameters in the well-known manner.These parameters are passed to dedicated hardware 6. The dedicatedhardware 6 performs the data puncturing/repetition process on input datato generate rate-matched output data. The rate-matched data has a ratematched to the air interface of the wireless communication system.

As used herein, software refers to instructions stored in memory, thatwhen executed cause a general purpose processor, computer or controllerto perform a particular function. Using software refers to the generalpurpose processor, computer or controller executing the instructions andthus performing the particular function specified by the software.

As used herein, hardware refers to the physical aspect of computers,telecommunications and other information technology devices; anddedicated hardware means hardware having a particular structure thatdictates the function performed by the hardware. For example, while aDSP is hardware, a programmed DSP is not dedicated hardware because thestructure of the DSP does not change when the software running on theDSP changes. Examples of dedicated hardware include logic circuits, anapplication-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)—with or without a centralprocessing unit (CPU), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a complexprogrammable logic device (CPLD), etc. Dedicated hardware may bereconfigurable or non-reconfigurable. A FPGA is an example ofreconfigurable dedicated hardware. Depending on how the FPGA isprogrammed, the gates in the FPGA form connections between logicelements such that the FPGA structure becomes dedicated to performing aparticular function—becomes like a fixed logic circuit. The structure(i.e., the connection of the logic elements) may be changed byre-programming the FPGA; hence, the FPGA is reconfigurable. A fixedlogic circuit is an example of non-reconfigurable dedicated hardware.

At a receiver 10, a digital signal processor 12 executes software tocalculate rate de-matching parameters in the well-known manner. Theseparameters are passed to dedicated hardware 14. The dedicated hardware14 performs the puncturing/repetition compensation process on input datato generate rate de-matched output data.

Because the structure and operation of the digital signal processor 4 ingenerating the rate matching parameters is so well-known (explained in3GPP TS25.212 version 4.3.0 and other versions), these items will not bedescribed in detail for the sake of brevity. For the same reasons, thestructure and operation of the digital signal processor 12 in generatingthe rate de-matching parameters will not be described in detail. In thesections that follow, embodiments of the dedicated hardware 6 and thededicated hardware 14 for performing the puncturing/repetition processand the puncture/repetition compensation process are described indetail.

Architecture of Dedicated Hardware for Puncturing/Repetition Process

Puncturing is the process of removing bits from a data packet to reduceits overall size. Repetition is the process of repeating bits in a datapacket to increase its overall size. The rate at which data bits arepunctured or repeated is controlled by rate-matching parameters.

In describing the dedicated hardware architecture for thepuncturing/repetition process, first exemplary modes of operation willbe mentioned, and then the rate-matching parameters received from thedigital signal processor 4 will be defined. Afterwards, a state-machinededicated hardware implementation of the present invention will bedescribed in detail. Subsequently, a combinatorial logic dedicatedhardware implementation will be presented.

Modes of Operation

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention may operate in 3 modes:repetition mode, normal puncture mode and turbo puncture mode. The modeof operation may be selected via the rate-matching parameters.

Definitions, Symbols and Abbreviations

Table 1 below provides a list of the names/symbols used for the ratematching parameters calculated in the digital signal processor 4 alongwith (i) their corresponding symbol or name in the 3GPP standard and(ii) associated description. TABLE 1 In 3GPP Name Standard Descriptioneini1 e_(ini) Initial value of decision parameter or variable e in therate matching pattern determination algorithm. For repetition mode,normal puncturing mode and parity 1 bits in turbo puncturing mode. eini2e_(ini) Initial value of decision parameter or variable e in the ratematching pattern determination algorithm. For parity 2 bits in turbopuncturing mode. eplus1 (ep1) e_(plus) Increment of variable e in therate matching pattern determination algorithm For repetition mode,normal puncturing mode and parity 1 bits in turbo puncturing mode.eplus2 (ep2) e_(plus) Increment of variable e in the rate matchingpattern determination algorithm. For parity 2 bits in turbo puncturingmode. eminus1(em1) e_(minus) Decrement of variable e in the ratematching pattern determination algorithm For repetition mode, normalpuncturing mode and parity 1 bits in turbo puncturing mode. eminus2(em2)e_(minus) Decrement of variable e in the rate matching patterndetermination algorithm. For parity 2 bits in turbo puncturing mode. evalue 1 e in Value of variable e in the rate matching 4.2.7.5 patterndetermination algorithm For repetition mode, normal puncturing mode andparity 1 bits in turbo puncturing mode. e value 2 e in Value of variablee in the rate matching 4.2.7.5 pattern determination algorithm Forparity 2 bits in turbo puncturing mode. TTI TTI Transmission TimeInterval, the time interval between packets of data for a transportchannel (TrCH). This time is a multiple of radio frames. dlc_tr_emodeCoding Type of channel coding for a TrCH, No scheme Coding, Turbo,Viterbi ½, Viterbi ⅓. dlc_tr_niltti N_(i,l) ^(TTI) Number of bits in atransmission time interval before rate matching on TrCH i with transportformat l. Used in downlink only. dlc_tr_punc sign of For ΔN_(il) ^(TTI)and ΔN_(i,l) ^(TTI,m): ΔN_(il) ^(TTI) or If positive - number of bits tobe repeated ΔN_(i,l) ^(TTI,m) in each transmission time interval on TrCHi with transport format l. If negative - number of bits to be puncturedin each transmission time interval on TrCH i with transport format l.

First Embodiment of Downlink Rate Matching Dedicated HardwareArchitecture

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the dedicated hardwarearchitecture for rate matching according to one embodiment of thepresent invention, wherein the embodiment is employed between an encoderand an interleaver. As shown, on the input side, the dedicated hardware6 receives the rate-matching parameters from the DSP 4, and receivesinput data data_in from an encoder 20. For the purposes of explanationonly, four types of data (non-Turbo data, Systematic data, Parity 1 dataand Parity 2 data) will be described in detail below. The dedicatedhardware 6 also supplies the encoder 20 with a stall signal stall_out.On the output side, the dedicated hardware 6 outputs data data_out to,for example, an interleaver 22. The dedicated hardware 6 also outputs anoutput validity indicator valid_out.

The dedicated hardware 6 includes a first data register 34 storing theinput data data_in, a second data register 36 storing the outputvalidity signal valid_out and a third data register 38 storing theoutput data data_out. A state-machine 30 receives the rate-matchingparameters from the DSP 4 and generates the output validity indicatorvalid_out. A selector 40 selectively outputs one of the current inputdata from the encoder 20, the previously input data stored in the seconddata register 34 and the data output from the fourth data register 38based on a data selection signal generated by the state-machine 30.

State Machine

FIG. 3 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of the state-machine 30. Thestate-machine 30 is implemented in dedicated hardware 6 by preparingVHDL code describing the state-machine 30, and having the VHDL compilergenerate the dedicated hardware architecture implementing thestate-machine 30. Accordingly, the operation of the state-machine 30 anddedicated hardware 6 will now be described with respect to FIGS. 2 and3.

Referring to FIG. 3, operation begins in a first initial state init1.The first initial state init1 is achieved when a signal processingsession ends or when a signal processing session has been reset. Namely,when a reset signal is asserted, all flip-flops return to their resetstate, as do the state machines. The state-machine 30 remains in thefirst initial state init1 until a processing start signal is receivedfrom the DSP 4. The processing start signal provides the rate matchingparameters for one payload of data to be processed. A payload of data isa transmission time interval (TTI) worth of data for a transport channel(TrCH).

As shown in FIG. 3, the rate matching parameters include an initialvalue eini1 for at least a first decision parameter evalue1. Asdescribed in more detail below, the state-machine according to thepresent invention handles more than one format of encoding, such asconvolutional encoding and turbo encoding. In convolutional encoding alldata is treated the same—a same type, and therefore, only a singledecision parameter evalue1 is required. However, in turbo encoding, morethan one type of data exists—such as systematic data, first parity dataand second parity data. In turbo encoding, the systematic data does notundergo puncturing, and the first and second parity data are treatedseparately when a puncture operation is to be performed on turbo encodeddata. As a result, if the state-machine 30 is to operate on turboencoded data and perform puncturing, then evalues for both the first andsecond parity data are supplied by the DSP4. Namely, initial valueseini1 and eini2 are respectively supplied for first and second decisionparameters evalue1 and evalue2, which are associated with the first andsecond parity data, respectively. However, if the data is convolutionencoded, or the data is turbo encoded but a repetition process is to beperformed on the data, then only a value for the first decisionparameter evalue1 is supplied by the DSP4.

Upon receipt of the processing start signal, the state-machine 30establishes the initial values eini1 and eini2 for the first and seconddecision parameters evalue1 and evalue2, transitions from the firstinitial state init1 to a second initial state init2 and then a thirdinitial state init3. In the second initial state init2, the firstdecision parameter evalue1 is decreased by a first decrement valueeminus1, which was supplied as one of the rate matching parameters bythe DSP 4. In the third initial state init3, the second decisionparameter evalue2 is decreased by a second decrement value eminus2,which was supplied as one of the rate matching parameters by the DSP4,if the data being processed is turbo encoded. Otherwise, no suchoperation is performed in the third initial state init3.

As shown in Table 1, the DSP 4 provides, as one of the rate matchingparameters, a coding scheme indicator dlc_tr_emode, which indicates thecoding scheme applied to the data (e.g., none, convolutional, turbo,etc.). As further shown in Table 1, the DSP 4 also provides apuncture/repetition parameter dlc_tr_punc, the sign of which indicateswhether a puncture or repetition process is to be performed on the data.Based on the coding scheme indicator and the puncture/repetitionparameter, the state-machine 30 knows the operation to perform in thethird initial state init3.

Repetition

If the puncture/repetition parameter indicates that a repetition processis to be performed on the data, then processing proceeds to a repetitionstate. The dedicated hardware 6, and therefore, the state-machine 30operates on a unit of data. The unit of data can be one or more bits.For ease of explanation only, the operation of the dedicated hardware 6and the state-machine 30 will be described assuming the unit of data isone bit. In the repetition mode of operation, for each unit of data(e.g., 1 bit in the remainder of this description) the state-machine 30determines if the first decision parameter evalue1 is less than or equalto a repetition threshold RepTH. In one exemplary embodiment, therepetition threshold RepTH is zero. If so, then the state-machine 30determines that the data should be repeated. Accordingly, thestate-machine 30 (1) sends a stall output signal to the encoder 20instructing the encoder 20 to stall its outputting of data; (2)generates an output validity indicator indicating valid data; (3)generates a selection signal that causes the selector 40 to output thepreviously output data stored in the first register 34; and (4)increments the first decision parameter evalue1 by an increment valueeplus1, which the DSP 4 supplied as one of the rate-matching parameters.In causing the repetition of data, the state-machine 30 generates theselection signal such that the selector 40 outputs the same bit a numberof times as indicated by the puncture/repetition parameter.

If the first decision parameter evalue1 is not less than or equal to therepetition threshold RepTH, then the state-machine 30 (1) generates aselection signal that causes the selector 40 to output the current datafrom the encoder 20, (2) generates an output validity indicatorindicating valid data; and (3) decreases the first decision parameterevalue1 by the first decrement value eminus1. This process continuesuntil the data payload has been processed. The end of the payload isdetermined using the dlc_tr_niltti parameter, which is the number ofbits in the payload coming into the rate matching block.

Once the data payload has been processed, the state machine 30 moves toan idle state. The state machine 30 will remain in the idle state untilan end of session signal is received from the DSP 4.

Puncture

Returning to the third initial state init3, if the coding schemeindicator dlc_tr_emode indicates the convolutional coding scheme and thepuncture/repetition parameter dlc_tr_punc indicates puncture, then anormal puncture process is to be carried out and the state-machine 30moves to the normal puncture state.

In the normal puncture mode of operation, for an input data, thestate-machine 30 determines if the first decision parameter evalue1 isless than or equal to a first puncture threshold PuncTH1. In oneexemplary embodiment, the first puncture threshold PuncTH1 is zero. Ifso, then the state-machine 30 determines that the data should bepunctured. Accordingly, the state-machine 30 (1) generates a selectionsignal that causes the selector 40 to output the input data currentlyreceived from the encoder 20; (2) generates an output validity indicatorindicating invalid data; and (3) increments the first decision parameterevalue1 by the increment value eplus1 and decrements the resulting sumby the decrement value eminus1 (only once for the duration of thepuncture process). In causing the puncture of data, the state-machine 30generates the selection signal and de-asserts the output validityindicator such that the data bit is effectively removed from the datapacket.

If the first decision parameter evalue1 is not less than or equal to thefirst puncture threshold PuncTH1, then the state-machine 30 (1)generates a selection signal that causes the selector 40 to output thecurrent data from the encoder 20; (2) generates an output validityindicator indicating valid data and (3) decreases the first decisionparameter evalue1 by the first decrement value eminus1. This processcontinues until the data payload has been processed.

Once the data payload has been processed, the state machine 30 moves tothe idle state. The state machine 30 will remain in the idle state untilan end of session signal is received from the DSP 4.

Puncture of Turbo Encoded Data

Returning again to the third initial state init3, if the coding schemeindicator dlc_tr_emode indicates the turbo coding scheme and thepuncture/repetition parameter dlc₁₃ tr_punc indicates puncture, then aturbo puncture process is to be carried out and the state-machine 30moves to a systematic turbo puncture state turbo_p0. As discussedprevious, turbo encoded data input from the encoder 20 includes threedata streams multiplexed onto one serial interface in the followingorder: s(0), p1(0), p2(0), s(1), p1(1), p2(1), s(2) . . . p2(i), wheres=systematic, p1=parity1, p2=parity2, and (i) is the ith bit in theindividual bit stream. As also discussed above, the first parity dataand the second parity data undergo puncture, but not the systematicdata. Accordingly, in the systematic turbo puncture state, thestate-machine 30 (1) generates a selection signal that causes theselector 40 to output the input data currently received from the encoder20; and (2) generates an output validity indicator indicating validdata. After the systematic data has been processed in this fashion, thestate-machine 30 enters the first parity turbo puncture state turbo_p1

In the first parity turbo puncture state, for each first parity data,the state-machine 30 determines if the first decision parameter evalue1is less than or equal to a second puncture threshold PuncTH2. In oneexemplary embodiment, the second puncture threshold PuncTH2 is zero. Ifso, then the state-machine 30 determines that the data should bepunctured. Accordingly, the state-machine 30 (1) generates a selectionsignal that causes the selector 40 to output the input data currentlyreceived from the encoder 20; (2) generates an output validity indicatorindicating invalid data; and (3) increments the first decision parameterevalue1 by the increment value eplus1 and decrements the resulting sumby the decrement value eminus1. In causing the puncture of the firstparity data, the state-machine 30 generates the selection signal andde-asserts the output validity indicator such that the data bit iseffectively removed from the data packet.

If the first decision parameter evalue1 is not less than or equal to thesecond puncture threshold PuncTH2, then the state-machine 30 (1)generates a selection signal that causes the selector 40 to output thecurrent data from the encoder 20; (2) generates an output validityindicator indicating valid data and (3) decreases the first decisionparameter evalue1 by the first decrement value eminus1.

After the first parity data has been processed, the state-machine 30enters the second parity turbo puncture state turbo_p2

In the second parity turbo puncture state, for each second parity data,the state-machine 30 determines if the second decision parameter evalue2is less than or equal to a third puncture threshold PuncTH3. (In oneexemplary embodiment, the third puncture threshold PuncTH3 is zero.) Ifso, then the state-machine 30 determines that the second parity datashould be punctured. Accordingly, the state-machine 30 (1) generates aselection signal that causes the selector 40 to output the input datacurrently received from the encoder 20; (2) generates an output validityindicator indicating invalid data; and (3) increments the seconddecision parameter evalue1 by a second increment value eplus2 anddecrements the resulting sum by a second decrement value eminus2. Asindicated in Table 1, both eplus2 and eminus2 are rate-matchingparameters received from the DSP4. In causing the puncture of the firstparity data, the state-machine 30 generates the selection signal andde-asserts the output validity indicator such that the data bit iseffectively removed from the data packet. If the second decisionparameter evalue2 is not less than or equal to the third puncturethreshold PuncTH3, then the state-machine 30 (1) generates a selectionsignal that causes the selector 40 to output the current data from theencoder 20; (2) generates an output validity indicator indicating validdata and (3) decreases the second decision parameter evalue2 by thesecond decrement value eminus2.

The state-machine 30 then returns to the systematic turbo puncture stateturbo_p0, and the processing in the above described turbo puncturestates repeats until the data payload has been processed. Once the datapayload has been processed, the state machine 30 moves to the idlestate. The state machine 30 will remain in the idle state until an endof session signal is received from the DSP 4 or a reset signal isreceived.

The repetition and puncture thresholds used by the state-machine 30 are,in one exemplary embodiment, values fixed in the state-machine 30 tozero.

Puncturing/Repetition Pattern

From the decision parameter values calculated in firmware, the dedicatedhardware 6 can generate the puncturing/repetition pattern. An example ofgenerated puncture and repetition patterns, where all thresholds havebeen set to zero is shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 also illustrates the changesin the first decision parameter evalue1 as the input data is processed.As shown, the first decision parameter evalue1 is set to EINI and thenreduced by eminus1 (first and second initial states of the state-machine30), then for each input data processed without puncture or repetition,the first decision parameter evalue1 is reduced by the decrementparameter eminus1. If the resulting first decision parameter evalue1 isnegative or zero, the data is punctured/repeated and the first decisionparameter evalue1 is increased by eplus1 when in the repetition mode orincreased by (eplus1−eminus1) when in the puncture mode.

More Embodiments of Downlink Rate Matching Dedicated HardwareArchitecture

There are many ways to implement rate-matching dedicated hardware. Astate-machine implementation has been described above. FIG. 5illustrates a structured combinatorial logic implementation of thededicated hardware 6. This approach breaks down the dedicated hardwareinto smaller components. Each component has a simple function or processlogic. The designer can use various ways to design each logic block,which includes using state machines, truth tables, branch functions orwired logic gates.

Rate-Matching for HSDPA

Rate-Matching is used in HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access). Inthe Hybrid ARQ function of HSDPA, two rate-matching stages are needed asshown in FIG. 6. The downlink rate matching embodiments of the presentinvention can be used as the first rate matching stage by setting thededicated hardware 6 to the turbo puncturing mode, and can be used asthe second rate matching stage by setting the dedicated hardware 6 tothe normal puncturing mode or normal repetition mode.

Architecture of Dedicated Hardware for Puncturing/RepetitionCompensation Process

In describing the dedicated hardware architecture for thepuncturing/repetition compensation process, a state-machine dedicatedhardware implementation of the present invention will be described indetail. Puncturing compensation (de-puncturing) is the process ofinserting bits into a data packet at locations where bits werepreviously punctured, thereby returning the data packet to its originalsize. Repetition compensation (de-repeating) is the process of removingbits from a data packet at locations where bits were previously inserted(repeated), thereby returning the data packet to its original size. Therate at which data bits are de-punctured or de-repeated is controlled byrate-matching parameters.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention described in detailbelow, data coming into the rate-de-matching block comes in the form ofLog Likelihood Ratio (LLR) soft bits. These LLRs use multiple binarydigits to represent the likelihood that a received bit is a “1” or a“0”. Thus each data bit is represented by multiply binary digits.

Definitions, Symbols and Abbreviations

Table 2 provides a list of the names/symbols used for the ratede-matching parameters calculated in the DSP 12 along with (i) theircorresponding symbol or name in the 3GPP standard and (ii) associateddescription. TABLE 2 In 3GPP Name Standard Description eini1 e_(ini)Initial value of decision parameter or variable e in the rate matchingpattern determination algorithm. For repetition mode, normal puncturingmode and parity 1 bits in turbo puncturing mode. eini2 e_(ini) Initialvalue of decision parameter or variable e in the rate matching patterndetermination algorithm. For parity 2 bits in turbo puncturing mode.eplus1 (ep1) e_(plus) Increment of variable e in the rate matchingpattern determination algorithm For repetition mode, normal puncturingmode and parity 1 bits in turbo puncturing mode. eplus2 (ep2) e_(plus)Increment of variable e in the rate matching pattern determinationalgorithm. For parity 2 bits in turbo puncturing mode. eminus1(em1)e_(minus) Decrement of variable e in the rate matching patterndetermination algorithm For repetition mode, normal puncturing mode andparity 1 bits in turbo puncturing mode. eminus2(em2) e_(minus) Decrementof variable e in the rate matching pattern determination algorithm. Forparity 2 bits in turbo puncturing mode. e value 1 e in Value of variablee in the rate matching 4.2.7.5 pattern determination algorithm Forrepetition mode, normal puncturing mode and parity 1 bits in turbopuncturing mode. e value 2 e in Value of variable e in the rate matching4.2.7.5 pattern determination algorithm For parity 2 bits in turbopuncturing mode. TTI TTI Transmission Time Interval i in FIG. 10P1_(F)(n_(i)) The column permutation function of the 1^(st) interleaver,P1_(F)(x) is the original position of column with number x afterpermutation. P1 is defined on table 4 of section 4.2.5.2 (note that theP1_(F) is self-inverse). Used for rate matching in uplink only. This isthe received frame number in a TTI, which is already interleaved.INT1POLY(i) n_(i) Radio frame number in the transmission in FIG. 10 timeinterval of TrCH i (0 ≦ n_(i) < F_(i)). rm_nij N_(ij) Number of bits ina radio frame before rate matching on TrCH i with transport formatcombination j. rm_punc Sign of ΔN_(i,j): If positive - number of bitsthat ΔN_(i,j) should be repeated in each radio frame on TrCH i withtransport format combination j. If negative - number of bits that shouldbe punctured in each radio frame on TrCH i with transport formatcombination j. rm_tb Coding Turbo or other type schemeUplink Rate De-Matching Dedicated Hardware

FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of the dedicated hardwarearchitecture for rate de-matching (RDM) on the receiver side accordingto one embodiment of the present invention, where the embodiment isemployed between first and second de-interleavers (e.g., as in TS25.212mentioned previously). As shown, on the input side, the dedicatedhardware 14 receives the calculated rate de-matching parameters from theDSP 12, and receives input (e.g., data and signaling) from a secondde-interleaver 62. The dedicated hardware 14 also supplies output (e.g.,data and signaling) to a first de-interleaver 60.

The dedicated hardware 14 includes a RDM controller 50 receiving therate de-matching parameters calculated by the DSP 12, and stores thereceived RDM parameters in a RAM 52. From the RDM parameters, the RDMcontroller 50 prepares the setup parameters for a state-machine 70,which controls the de-repetition and de-puncture operations. The statemachine 70 is disposed between an input stall-valid buffer 72, whichreceives the input from the second de-interleaver 62, and an outputstall-valid buffer 74, which supplies the output to the firstde-interleaver 60. The state-machine 70 receives the rate de-matchingand setup parameters from the RDM controller 50, an input validityindicator from the input stall-valid buffer 72, and an output stallindicator from the output stall-valid buffer 74. The state-machine 70outputs an output validity indicator to the output stall-valid buffer74, a finish indicator to the output stall-valid buffer 74.

The dedicated hardware 14 further includes a latch 76, an accumulator 78and a bit clamp 80. The latch 76 latches output from the accumulator 78and is reset in response to a reset signal from the state-machine 70.The accumulator 78 adds the output of the latch with the output from theinput stall-valid buffer 72. The bit clamp 80 clamps the number of bitsrepresenting the accumulated value to a preset number of bits (e.g., 5bits).

A selector 82 selectively outputs one of the output from the bit clamp80, a zero value and a puncture/replace bit based on a data selectionsignal generated by the state-machine 70. The output from the selector82 is stored in the output stall-valid buffer 74.

In the uplink, the rate de-matching dedicated hardware 14 uses theuplink rate de-matching parameters calculated by the DSP 12 to determinethe bit pattern of the punctured/repeated data on the fly. For punctureddata, the rate de-matching dedicated hardware 14 inserts a pre-definedpuncture replace LLR value to its output. For the repeated LLRs (createdthrough repetition during rate matching), which belong to the same bit,the rate de-matching dedicated hardware 14 accumulates/saturates theirvalues to achieve a higher effective signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) on thebit. The operation of the rate de-matching dedicated hardware 14 will bedescribed in greater detail below with respect to FIGS. 9-11.

RDM Controller

The rate de-matching controller 50 has two functions: store input RDMparameters during configuration, and setup the RDM state-machine 70 fordata processing. Apart from controlling the RAM 52 and passingparameters to the state-machine 70, the RDM controller 52 sets up theinitial state for bit separation when the input data calls for turbode-puncturing.

Bit separation is needed only for de-puncturing turbo punctured data. Acoding scheme indicator rm_tb received from the DSP 12 indicates thecoding scheming of the input data (e.g., convolutional or turbo), andthe sign of a puncture/repetition parameter rm_punc received from theDSP 12 indicates whether compensation for puncture or repetition is tobe performed. When the coding scheme indicator and puncture/repetitionparameter indicate turbo punctured data, a set of rate de-matchingparameters (e.g., eini1, eplus1 and eminus1) is provided for the firstparity data and another set of rate de-matching parameters (e.g., eini2,eplus2 and eminus2) is provided for the second parity data. To ratede-match other types of data (turbo repeated, convolutional punctured,convolutional repeated, etc.), the data input are treated as one serialbit stream, and a single set of rate de-matching parameters (e.g.,eini1, eplus1, and eminus1) is used to determine the de-matchingpattern.

The input to the rate de-matching dedicated hardware 14 may be ininterleaved order. The reason for this is that the first de-interleaver60 following the dedicated hardware 14 de-interleaves the data which wasinterleaved on the transmit side. As described earlier, the dataprocessed by the dedicated hardware 14 is a radio frame worth of data.One or more radio frames of data will make up a TTI of a TrCH. This isthe size of data over which the interleaver on the transmit sideinterleaves. It is possible to have a TTI of length 1, 2, 4 or 8 radioframes, corresponding to 10, 20, 40 or 80 ms TTI. The order in whicheach radio frame in a TTI arrives to the dedicated hardware 14 is shownfor each case.

10 ms TTI<0>

20 ms TTI<0, 1>

40 ms TTI<0, 2, 1, 3>

80 ms TTI<0, 4, 2, 6, 1, 5, 3, 7>

For de-puncturing/de-repeating turbo encoded data, the first receiveddata bit of each radio frame is one of the systematic, parity 1 andparity 2 bits and can be determined from the data's de-interleaved framenumber and its transmission time interval (TTI). Hence, the dedicatedhardware 14 takes this into consideration when setting up the initialpuncturing state and sequence.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of the input data sequence for a transportchannel (TrCH) with a 40 ms TTI. In FIG. 8, and the remainder of thisdisclosure, when discussing the order of the systematic, first parity p1and second parity p2 bits, “0” represents a systematic bit, “1”represents the first parity bit, and “2” represents the second paritybit. As shown, the input bit sequences are different for eachde-interleaved column—also referred to as a frame phase. This is becauseat the transmission side, before first level interleaving, data arestored in the memory with sequence “0, 1, 2” row by row (See the rows onthe right side of FIG. 8). Therefore, for a 40 ms TTI TrCH, column 0before interleaving always has sequence “0, 1, 2” and column 1 alwayshas sequence “1, 2, 0”.

The DSP 12 provides a column permutation function indicator (“i” in FIG.8 and Table 3 discussed below) and the TTI as part of the ratede-matching parameters. This indicates to the RDM controller 50 theframe phase being received. For every frame phase (column) received, theRDM controller 50 has to work out the bit sequence based on thede-interleaved column number of the sequence using the TrCH's TTI,1^(st) interleaver polynomial and frame phase in TTI. Specifically, theRDM controller 50 looks up the sequence in an input sequence lookuptable, and sets up the initial puncturing state/sequence before startingde-puncturing of the data. Table 3 below illustrates an exemplaryembodiment of the input sequence lookup table. TABLE 3 INT1POLY(i) TTI 01 2 3 4 5 6 7 10 ms 0, 1, 2 X X X X X X X 20 ms 0, 2, 1 1, 0, 2 X X X XX X 40 ms 0, 1, 2 1, 2, 0 2, 0, 1 0, 1, 2 X X X X 80 ms 0, 2, 1 1, 0, 22, 1, 0 0, 2, 1 1, 0, 2 2, 1, 0 0, 2, 1 1, 0, 2

Accordingly, when the input data is turbo encoded punctured data, theRDM controller 50 accesses the input sequence lookup table using the TTIand column permutation function indicator, and generates two set upparameters in addition to the rate de-matching parameters received fromthe DSP 12. The first setup parameter is the starting turbo bitindicator rm_tbbit, which indicates whether the first bit beingprocessed is systematic data, first parity data or second parity data.The second parameter is the turbo sequence direction indicatorrm_clkwise, which indicates whether the sequence of the turbo encodeddata is (1) systematic, first parity, second parity, systematic, etc.,or (2) second parity, first parity, systematic, second parity, etc.

Rate De-Matching State-Machine

FIG. 9 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of the state-machine 70. Thestate-machine 70 is implemented in dedicated hardware 14 by preparingVHDL code describing the state-machine 70, and having the VHDL compilergenerate the dedicated hardware architecture implementing thestate-machine 70. Accordingly, the operation of the state-machine 70 andthe remaining portions of the dedicated hardware 14 will now bedescribed with respect to FIGS. 7 and 9.

Referring to FIG. 9, operation begins in a first initial state init1.The first initial state init1 is achieved when a signal processingsession ends or when a signal processing session has been reset. Thestate-machine 70 remains in the first initial state init1 until aprocessing start signal is received from the DSP 12 via the RDMcontroller 50. The processing start signal provides the rate matchingparameters, and possibly the set up parameters, for one payload of datato be processed. A payload of data is, for example, a radio frame ofdata for a TrCH.

As shown in Table 2, the rate de-matching parameters include an initialvalue eini1 for at least a first decision parameter evalue1. If thestate-machine 70 is to operate on turbo encoded data and performde-puncturing, then initial evalues for both the first and second paritydata are supplied by the DSP 12. Namely, initial values eini1 and eini2are respectively supplied for first and second decision parametersevalue1 and evalue2, which are associated with the first and secondparity data, respectively. However, if the data is convolution encoded,or the data is turbo encoded but a de-repetition process is to beperformed on the data, then only the first decision parameter evalue1 issupplied by the DSP 12.

Upon receipt of the processing start signal, the state-machine 70 setsthe initial values of the decision parameter(s), transitions from thefirst initial state init1 to a second initial state init2 and then athird initial state init3. In the second initial state init2, the firstdecision parameter evalue1 is decreased by a first decrement valueeminus1, which was supplied as one of the rate de-matching parameters bythe DSP 12 via the RDM controller 50. In the third initial state init3,the second decision parameter evalue2 is decreased by a second decrementvalue eminus2, which was supplied as one of the rate de-matchingparameters by the DSP 12 via the RDM controller 50, if the data beingprocessed is turbo encoded punctured data. Otherwise, no such operationis performed in the third initial state init3. Accordingly, based on thecoding scheme indicator and the puncture/repetition parameter, thestate-machine 70 knows the operation to perform in the third initialstate init3.

De-Repetition

If the puncture/repetition parameter indicates that a de-repetitionprocess is to be performed on the data (turbo or convolutional), thenprocessing proceeds to a de-repetition state. The dedicated hardware 14,and therefore, the state-machine 70 operates on a unit of data. The unitof data can be one or more bits. For ease of explanation only, theoperation of the dedicated hardware 14 and the state-machine 70 will bedescribed assuming the unit of data is one bit.

In the de-repetition mode of operation, for each unit of data (e.g., 1bit in the remainder of this description) the state-machine 70determines if the first decision parameter evalue1 is less than or equalto a de-repetition threshold DrepTH. In one exemplary embodiment, therepetition threshold DrepTH is zero. If so, then the state-machine 70determines that the data should undergo a de-repetition operation.Accordingly, the state-machine 70 (1) sends an invalid output signal tothe output stall-valid buffer 74 instructing the output stall-validbuffer 74 that the output received is invalid; (2) generates a selectionsignal that causes the selector 82 to output the data generated by theclamp 80; (3) turns the reset signal for the latch 76 off to permitaccumulation; and (4) increments the first decision parameter evalue1 byan increment value eplus1 (this last operation is performed only onceduring the de-repetition process).

In causing the de-repetition of data, the state-machine 70 generates theselection signal and the reset signal such that the selector 82 outputsthe data from the clamp 80 and the latch 76 continues latching theoutput from the accumulator 78 for the number of input bits indicated bythe puncture/repetition parameter received from the DSP 12 via the RDMcontroller 50.

The input data to the RDM dedicated hardware 14 in one exemplaryembodiment is a stream of 5 bit LLR, value range from −16 to +15. Theoutput of the RDM dedicated hardware 14 is also 5 bit LLR, value from−15 to +15, and puncture replaces a bit, represented by value −16. Inthis exemplary embodiment, the accumulator 78 is an 8-bit accumulatorthat accumulates/saturates the LLR value to range −128 to +127. Thisaccumulation process increases the SNR for repeated bits. Theaccumulator output is clamped down to range −15 to +15 by the clamp 80.During the accumulation process, the latch 76, which is an 8 bitregister, stores the accumulated LLR.

Once the amount of input data indicated by the puncture/repetitionparameter has undergone the accumulation process, the state machine 70(1) turns the reset signal back on; and (2) generates an output validityindicator indicating valid data. Accordingly, the clamped, accumulatedvalue output by the selector 82 is considered valid data, and the inputdata has been de-repeated.

If, at the beginning of the de-repetition state, the first decisionparameter evalue1 is not less than or equal to the de-repetitionthreshold DrepTH, then the state-machine 70 (1) generates a selectionsignal that causes the selector 70 to output the output from theaccumulator 82; (2) generates an output validity signal indicating validdata; and (3) decreases the first decision parameter evalue1 by thefirst decrement value eminus1. This process continues until the datapayload has been processed.

Once the data payload has been processed, the state machine 70 moves tothe first initial state. The state machine 70 will remain in the firstinitial state until the next processing start signal is received.

De-Puncture

Returning to the third initial state init3, if the coding schemeindicator indicates the convolutional coding scheme and thepuncture/repetition parameter indicates puncture, then a normalde-puncture process is to be carried out and the state-machine 70 movesto the normal de-puncture state.

In the normal de-puncture mode of operation, for each unit of data, thestate-machine 70 determines if the first decision parameter evalue1 isless than or equal to a first de-puncture threshold DpuncTH1. (In oneexemplary embodiment, the first de-puncture threshold DpuncTH1 is zero.)If so, then the state-machine 70 determines that the data should bede-punctured. Accordingly, the state-machine 70 (1) generates aselection signal that causes the selector 82 to output the puncturereplace bit; (2) generates an output validity indicator indicating validdata; (3) generates an input stall indicator indicating to stall theinput of data from the input stall-valid buffer 72; and (4) incrementsthe first decision parameter evalue1 by the increment value eplus1 anddecrements the resulting sum by the decrement value eminus1. In causingthe de-puncture of data, the state-machine 70 generates the selectionsignal and input stall indicator such that the selector 82 outputs thepuncture replace bit a number of times as indicated by thepuncture/repetition parameter. In one exemplary embodiment, the puncturereplace bit is an LLR value of −16.

If the first decision parameter evalue1 is not less than or equal to thefirst de-puncture threshold DpuncTH1, then the state-machine 70 (1)generates a selection signal that causes the selector 82 to output theoutput from the clamp 80; (2) generates an output validity indicatorindicating valid data; (3) generates an input stall indicator indicatingnot to stall the input data; and (4) decreases the first decisionparameter evalue1 by the first decrement value eminus1. This processcontinues until the data payload has been processed.

Once the data payload has been processed, the state machine 70 move tothe first initial state. The state machine 70 will remain in the firstinitial state until the next processing start signal is received.

De-Puncture of Turbo Encoded Data

Returning again to the third initial state init3, if the coding schemeindicator indicates the turbo coding scheme and the puncture/repetitionparameter indicates puncture, then a turbo de-puncture process is to becarried out and the state-machine 70 moves to one of a systematicde-puncture state turbo_p0, a first parity de-puncture state turbo_p1and a second parity de-puncture state turbo_p2 as indicated by thestarting turbo bit indicator set up parameter. Namely, if the startingturbo bit indicator indicates the systematic bit, then the systematicde-puncture state is entered; if the starting turbo bit indicatorindicates the first parity bit, then the first parity de-puncture stateis entered; and if the starting turbo bit indicator indicates the secondparity bit, then the second parity de-puncture state is entered.

As discussed previously, systematic data does not undergo puncture.Accordingly, in the systematic de-puncture state, the state-machine 70(1) generates a selection signal that causes the selector 82 to outputthe output from the clamp 80; and (2) generates an output validityindicator indicating valid data. After the systematic bit has beenprocessed, the state-machine 70 moves to one of the first parityde-puncture state and the second parity de-puncture state as indicatedby the sequence direction indicator set up parameter. Namely, if thesequence direction indicator is true, then the first parity de-puncturestate is entered; and if the sequence direction indicator is false, thenthe second parity de-puncture state is entered.

In the first parity de-puncture state, the state-machine 70 determinesif the first decision parameter evalue1 is less than or equal to asecond de-puncture threshold DpuncTH2. In one exemplary embodiment, thesecond de-puncture threshold DpuncTH2 is zero. If so, then thestate-machine 70 determines that the data should be de-punctured.Accordingly, the state-machine 70 (1) generates a selection signal thatcauses the selector 82 to output the puncture replace bit; (2) generatesan output validity indicator indicating valid data; (3) generates aninput stall indicator indicating to stall the input of data from theinput stall-valid buffer 72; and (4) increments the first decisionparameter evalue1 by the increment value eplus1 and decrements theresulting sum by the decrement value eminus1. In causing the de-punctureof data, the state-machine 70 generates the selection signal and inputstall indicator such that the selector 82 outputs the puncture replacebit a number of times as indicated by the puncture/repetition amountparameter. In one exemplary embodiment, the puncture replace bit is anLLR value of −16.

If the first decision parameter evalue1 is not less than or equal to thesecond de-puncture threshold PuncTH2, the state machine 70 (1) generatesa selection signal that causes the selector 82 to output the output fromthe clamp 80; (2) generates an output validity indicator indicatingvalid data; (3) generates an input stall indicator indicating not tostall the input data; and (4) decreases the first decision parameterevalue1 by the first decrement value eminus1.

After the first parity bit has been processed, the state-machine 70moves to one of the systematic de-puncture state and the second parityde-puncture state as indicated by the sequence direction indicator setup parameter. Namely, if the sequence direction indicator is true, thenthe second parity de-puncture state is entered; and if the sequencedirection indicator is false, then the systematic de-puncture state isentered.

In the second parity turbo de-puncture state, the state-machine 70determines if the second decision parameter evalue2 is less than orequal to a third de-puncture threshold DpuncTH3. In one exemplaryembodiment, the third de-puncture threshold DpuncTH3 is zero. If so,then the state-machine 70 determines that the second parity data shouldbe de-punctured. Accordingly, the state-machine 70 (1) generates aselection signal that causes the selector 82 to output the puncturereplace bit; (2) generates an output validity indicator indicating validdata; (3) generates an input stall indicator indicating to stall theinput of data from the input stall-valid buffer 72; and (4) incrementsthe second decision parameter evalue2 by the second increment valueeplus2 and decrements the resulting sum by the second decrement valueeminus2. In causing the de-puncture of data, the state-machine 70generates the selection signal and input stall indicator such that theselector 82 outputs the puncture replace bit a number of times asindicated by the puncture/repetition amount parameter. In one exemplaryembodiment, the puncture replace bit is an LLR value of −16.

If the first decision parameter evalue2 is not less than or equal to thethird de-puncture threshold DpuncTH3, the state-machine 70 (1) generatesa selection signal that causes the selector 82 to output the output fromthe clamp 80; (2) generates an output validity indicator indicatingvalid data; (3) generates an input stall indicator indicating not tostall the input data; and (4) decreases the second decision parameterevalue2 by the second decrement value eminus2.

After the second parity bit has been processed, the state-machine 70moves to one of the systematic de-puncture state and the first parityde-puncture state as indicated by the sequence direction indicator setup parameter. Namely, if the sequence direction indicator is true, thenthe systematic de-puncture state is entered; and if the sequencedirection indicator is false, then the first parity de-puncture state isentered.

Processing in the above described turbo puncture states repeats untilthe data payload has been processed. Once the data payload has beenprocessed, the state machine 70 moves to the first initial state. Thestate machine 70 will remain in the first initial state until the nextprocessing start signal is received.

The de-repetition and de-puncture thresholds used by the state-machine70 are, in one exemplary embodiment, values fixed in the state-machine70 to zero. It will be appreciated that the DSP 12 can send ratede-matching parameters for multiple TrCHs during configuration; theseparameters are stored in the RDM ram 52 by the RDM controller 50. TheDSP 12 then tells the dedicated hardware 14 to start processing. The RDMcontroller 50 will read from the rate de-matching parameters for the RAM52, setup the state-machine 70, and start the state-machine 50 toprocess one TrCH. The RDM controller 50 will repeat this process formultiple TrCHs until all TrCHs in the RAM 52 are processed.

Further Embodiments and Applications of Rate De-Matching

There are many ways to implement rate de-matching dedicated hardware. Astate-machine implementation has been described above. As with the ratematching dedicated hardware, the rate de-matching dedicated hardware maybe implemented by structured combinatorial logic. This architecture willbe readily apparent from the forgoing structured combinatorial logicimplementation of the rate matching dedicated hardware. Similarly, theapplication of the rate de-matching dedicated hardware to HSDPA will bereadily apparent from the forgoing disclosure of the application of therate matching dedicated hardware to HSDPA.

The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same maybe varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as adeparture from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all suchmodifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intendedto be included within the scope of the present invention.

1. An apparatus for rate-matching, comprising: a processor calculatingat least one rate-matching parameter for data; a a selector receiving acurrent data, a previous data and an output data, the selectorconfigured to selectively perform at least one of a puncturing processand a repetition process; and a state machine circuit receiving thecalculated rate matching parameters and for controlling the selectorbased on the calculated rate matching parameters.
 2. A method ofrate-matching, comprising: using software to calculate at least onerate-matching parameter for data; and using dedicated hardware to atleast one of selectively perform a puncturing process and selectivelyperform a repetition process on data based on the calculatedrate-matching parameter; wherein the using dedicated hardware stepincludes operating in one of a puncture and repetition mode based on adecision parameter value received from the using software step, and thepuncturing process punctures the data in the puncture mode when thedecision parameter value is less than a puncture decision threshold, andthe repeating process repeats the data in the repetition mode when thedecision parameter value is less than a repetition decision threshold.3. The method of claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the data isencoded data.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the data is turboencoded, the turbo encoded data including systematic data, first paritydata and second parity data; and the using dedicated hardware step usesdedicated hardware to perform at least one of the puncturing process onthe first and second parity data and the repetition process on thesystematic data, the first parity data and the second parity data. 5.The method of claim 2, wherein the using dedicated hardware stepproduces data having a data rate that matches an air interface of awireless communication system.
 6. The method of claim 2, wherein theusing dedicated hardware step handles puncturing and repetition of morethan one format of data.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein at least oneformat of the data includes more than one type of data, and the usingdedicated hardware step handles puncturing and repetition of more thanone type of data in at least one format of data.
 8. The method of claim7, wherein at least one format of the data is turbo encoded data and atleast one type of data is parity data.
 9. A method of rate de-matching,comprising: using software to calculate at least one rate de-matchingparameter for received data; and using dedicated hardware to compensatefor puncturing and repetition in the received data based on thecalculated rate de-matching parameter; wherein the using dedicatedhardware step includes operating in one of a puncture and repetitionmode based on a decision parameter value received from the usingsoftware step, and a compensating puncture process compensates forpuncture in the received data when the decision parameter value is lessthan a de-puncture decision threshold, and a compensating repetitionstep compensates for repetition in the received data when the decisionparameter value is less than a de-repetition decision threshold.
 10. Themethod of claim 9, wherein at least a portion of the received data isencoded data.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the received data isturbo encoded, the turbo encoded data includes systematic data, firstparity data and second parity data; and the using dedicated hardwarestep uses dedicated hardware to at least one of compensate for thepuncturing process on the first and second parity data and compensatefor the repetition process on the systematic data, the first parity dataand the second parity data.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the usingdedicated hardware step handles compensating for puncturing andrepetition of more than one format of received data.
 13. The method ofclaim 12, wherein at least one format of the received data includes morethan one type of data, and the using dedicated hardware step handlescompensating for puncturing and repetition performed to rate match morethan one type of data in at least one format of the received data. 14.The method of claim 9, further comprising: accumulating the receiveddata when the using dedicated hardware step performs repetitioncompensation in the repetition mode; and generating a data output basedon the accumulated data when the perform repetition compensation is inthe repetition mode.
 15. A method of rate-matching, comprising:calculating at least one rate-matching parameter for data usingsoftware; selectively performing, using a selector, at least one of apuncturing process and a repetition process using current data, previousdata and an output data received at the selector; and controlling theselector based on the calculated rate matching parameters using a statemachine circuit.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein at least a portionof the data is encoded data.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein thedata is turbo encoded, the turbo encoded data including systematic data,first parity data and second parity data; and the selectively performingstep performs the puncturing process on the first and second paritydata, and performs the repetition process on the systematic data, thefirst parity data and the second parity data.
 18. The method of claim15, wherein the selectively performing step produces data having a datarate that matches an air interface of a wireless communication system.19. The method of claim 15, wherein the selectively performing stephandles puncturing and repetition of more than one format of data. 20.The method of claim 19, wherein at least one format of the data includesmore than one type of data, and the selectively performing step handlespuncturing and repetition of more than one type of data in at least oneformat of data.
 21. The method of claim 19, wherein at least one formatof the data is turbo encoded data and at least one type of data isparity data.